Candidature Tenure
Minimum and maximum periods of candidature are defined in the Macquarie Degree Rules in the Postgraduate Handbook, Volume 3. The allowable periods of enrolment for research candidature covered by the Research Training Scheme permit a maximum of four years for full-time students enrolled in the Doctor of Philosophy and two years for full-time students enrolled in the Master of Philosophy. The minimum period of candidature for full-time candidates enrolled in the Doctor of Philosophy is two years and the minimum period for full-time candidates enrolled in the Master of Philosophy is one year. Students enrolled in research programs on a part-time basis receive the equivalent period of candidature i.e. a minimum of two years and a maximum of four years for the Master of Philosophy and a minimum of four years and a maximum of eight years for the Doctor of Philosophy. Full-time candidates are expected to commit on average a minimum of forty hours per week to their research study program. Part-time candidates must be able to spend on average throughout the year at least twenty hours a week on a program of research and advanced study.
Students are informed of the period of maximum candidature at the time of offer to the program. The Annual Report details a student’s maximum date for completion which may vary according to the start date and any variations to candidature for that student such as leave of absence and change from full-time to part-time candidature. This information is also published in the Research Student Profile which is available for research candidates through eStudent. See also Part B, Candidature Tenure on extension of candidature beyond the maximum period.